The Missouri Lottery will once again participate in the annual Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use – an issue particularly relevant around the holiday season. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery games, such as lottery tickets or Scratchers. Often, these items are gifted to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
“Missouri Lottery tickets are a great gift idea, but they should only be gifted to adults 18 and older,” said Lester Elder, executive director of the Missouri Lottery. “You must be at least 18 to play and redeem Lottery tickets, and we ask everyone to keep that in mind when purchasing holiday gifts for minors.”
During December, the Missouri Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by posting weekly social media reminders to its followers that Lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for children. Advertising materials at retail locations will also remind players to ”Gift Responsibly.”
“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG executive director. “We applaud the Missouri Lottery for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling and for working to educate the community that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”
About the Missouri Lottery
The Missouri Lottery holds a Level-4 certification through the World Lottery Association (WLA) under their responsible gaming framework and the highest Sustaining Level certification through the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL). In addition, Missouri Lottery is a founding member of the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (MACPG), provides marketing support for the organizations 1-888-BETSOFF problem gambling helpline and is a contributing member of the Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse (MCPGSA).
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.